Only Murders in the Building Renewed for Season 6, Relocating Entire Production to London

Hulu Confirms Season 6 Renewal and Shocking International Move

In a dramatic twist mirroring the show’s own penchant for unexpected reveals, Hulu has officially renewed the critically acclaimed comedy-mystery series, Only Murders in the Building (OMITB), for a sixth season. The announcement, which arrived concurrently with the Season 5 finale, carried a massive surprise: the core trio will be leaving the familiar confines of New York City, as Season 6 will be set and filmed entirely in London.

This decision marks the most significant creative departure in the series’ history, fundamentally altering the established geography and tone that has defined the show since its debut. While the series has consistently delivered high ratings and critical praise, the move across the Atlantic signals a bold new chapter for the amateur podcasting detectives.

Leaving the Arconia: The End of an Era in New York

For five seasons, the fictional Upper West Side apartment building, the Arconia, has served as much more than a setting; it has been a central character in the narrative. The building’s intricate history, eccentric residents, and labyrinthine hallways provided the perfect claustrophobic backdrop for the show’s signature blend of cozy mystery and dark comedy. The premise—that the murders only happen in the building—was the foundational concept.

The decision to move production to London suggests that creators Steve Martin and John Hoffman are ready to test the limits of the show’s format. While the core ensemble remains intact, the geographical shift implies a complete narrative reset, potentially moving the series closer to a seasonal anthology structure where the characters remain, but the location and central mystery change completely.

Creative Implications of the London Setting

The relocation presents several exciting, yet challenging, opportunities for the writers:

• New Locale, New Vibe: London offers a rich tapestry of historical settings, from grand Victorian estates to modern flats, providing a fresh aesthetic contrast to the Arconia’s classic Manhattan architecture.
• Expanded Guest Star Pool: The move opens the door for a new wave of high-profile British actors and comedians to join the already impressive roster of guest stars the series is known for.
• Narrative Freedom: By abandoning the Arconia, the writers are free from the constraints of having to invent increasingly convoluted reasons for murders to occur within the same four walls, allowing the mystery to sprawl across an entire city.

The Core Trio Returns for a British Mystery

The heart of Only Murders in the Building remains the dynamic chemistry between its three leads: Steve Martin as the reserved former actor Charles-Haden Savage, Martin Short as the flamboyant and perpetually struggling theater director Oliver Putnam, and Selena Gomez as the sharp, artistically inclined Mabel Mora.

Despite the change in scenery, the fundamental relationship between the three unlikely friends—united by their shared love of true crime and their amateur podcast—will drive the narrative forward. The fish-out-of-water element, with the distinctly New York sensibilities of Charles, Oliver, and Mabel navigating the quirks of British culture, is expected to provide significant comedic fodder for Season 6.

Production Timeline and Anticipated Release

Given the complexity of relocating an entire production overseas, Season 6 is expected to enter production later in 2025, following the typical pattern established by the show’s previous seasons. While Hulu has not provided a specific premiere date, fans can tentatively anticipate the London-based mystery to debut sometime in late 2026.

This timeline allows for the necessary pre-production work required to scout and secure authentic London locations, ensuring the new setting feels as integral and character-filled as the Arconia did.

The Show’s Legacy and Consistent Success

Since its premiere, Only Murders in the Building has been a consistent critical darling, successfully blending generational comedy with genuine mystery plotting. The series has garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, largely due to its unique premise and the masterful performances of its leads.

This renewal and subsequent location change demonstrate Hulu and the creative team’s confidence in the show’s ability to evolve. By taking the risk of moving the action, they are signaling a commitment to keeping the formula fresh and avoiding the narrative fatigue that can often plague long-running mystery series tied to a single location.

“The decision to move the entire production to London is a massive vote of confidence in the strength of the characters themselves,” noted a television analyst. “It proves that the audience is tuning in for Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, not just the Arconia’s address.”

Key Takeaways for Fans

For viewers eager for the next installment, here are the essential facts regarding the future of OMITB:

• Renewal Confirmed: Only Murders in the Building is officially renewed for Season 6.
• New Setting: The entire season will be set and shot in London, marking a significant shift from New York City.
• Core Cast: Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez are all returning to reprise their roles.
• Timeline: Production is expected to begin in 2025, with a likely premiere date in late 2026.
• Narrative Shift: The move suggests a potential pivot toward a more flexible, seasonal mystery structure, focusing on the trio solving a new crime in a new locale.

The London setting promises to inject new energy and a fresh palette of suspects and locations into the beloved series, ensuring that the podcasting trio’s adventures continue to unfold in unexpected and hilarious ways.